Mardi Gras is a fun, colorful party that unites people to revel in parades, music, food, and more. While many associate traveling to New Orleans to experience the largest parties, having your own Mardi Gras bash at home can be equally as thrilling—and just as bright! No matter if you're having a small party with friends or a big bash, we have some great Mardi Gras party ideas, decor, and food recommendations to help make your celebration memorable. Let's get started on how to host a fabulous and fun-filled Mardi Gras party at home.
1. Decorate the Scene with Mardi Gras Decor
The secret to a great Mardi Gras celebration at home is in the decorations. Go big or go home with vibrant colors, glitter, beads, and anything that says New Orleans. Here are some Mardi Gras decoration ideas to spice up the celebration:
Color Scheme: Mardi Gras is famous for its vibrant, celebratory color scheme—purple, green, and gold. These bright colors symbolize justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold). Incorporate these colors in your tablecloths, balloons, streamers, and even beverages!
Beaded Necklaces: Perhaps the most recognizable Mardi Gras symbol is the beaded necklaces. Suspend them around the house, drape them across tables, or even distribute them as party favors for guests to wear. They'll immediately be in the Mardi Gras mood!
Masks: A Mardi Gras party wouldn't be complete without masks. Mardi Gras masks can be purchased online or you can even create your own using glitter, feathers, and beads. Place masks throughout the room or offer them for guests to wear while partying. It's a great way to create mystery and excitement during the celebration.
Banners and Garlands: Hang your walls with Mardi Gras banners and garlands. They're easy to install but provide a big wallop when it comes to ambiance. Find them in iconic imagery such as fleur-de-lis, jester hats, and jazz instruments.
Table Settings: For a Mardi Gras dinner, utilize purple, green, and gold plates, napkins, and utensils. Top the table with Mardi Gras confetti or beads for an added flair. A floral arrangement in vibrant colors also works to create a lively atmosphere.
2. Serve Delicious Mardi Gras Food
A Mardi Gras party isn’t just about fun and games—it’s also about the food! Mardi Gras food is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a lively celebration. You’ll want to serve classic dishes that are both filling and delicious. Here are some ideas to inspire your Mardi Gras party food:
King Cake: No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a King Cake. This sweet bread is usually iced in the traditional Mardi Gras colors and sometimes contains a small figurine inside. Whoever gets the figurine is supposed to be lucky for the upcoming year—and they're also tasked with bringing the King Cake to next year's celebration!
Jambalaya: Jambalaya is a rich, savory dish that's a Mardi Gras party classic. You can prepare it with chicken, sausage, shrimp, or a mix of all three. Serve it in big bowls for people to serve themselves, or prepare individual servings for a hands-on treat.
Gumbo: This nourishing stew is another Mardi Gras staple. Whether you use seafood gumbo or chicken and sausage gumbo, your company will adore this rich, aromatic dish. Serve it alongside a side of cornbread for a perfect Southern experience.
Crawfish Boil: To go whole hog, have a crawfish boil. It's a finger food that's ideal for a party setting. Mix in potatoes, corn, and sausage for a full-blown feast.
Mardi Gras Beignets: For dessert, serve beignets—deep-fried dough covered with powdered sugar. These light-as-air treats are quintessentially New Orleans and will be a hit with your partygoers.
Mardi Gras Drinks: For drinks, you can offer a combination of festive, fun beverages. Try a Hurricane cocktail, a New Orleans staple drink, or have a selection of punches that are in bright, flashy colors. Don't forget about non-alcoholic mocktails for those guests who want a mocktail!
3. Bring on the Fun Mardi Gras Atmosphere
Once you’ve got the Mardi Gras decorations and food covered, it’s time to add some fun activities and entertainment to keep the party going. Here are some ideas to make sure your guests have a blast:
Mardi Gras Music: No party is a party without music! Put on some upbeat jazz tunes or New Orleans-themed songs to set the mood. You can even make a playlist of classic Mardi Gras tunes such as "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Iko Iko."
Costume Contest: Invite the guests to wear their most outrageous Mardi Gras costume. You can even have a costume contest with rewards for best mask, best-dressed, or most creative outfit.
Bead Toss: Host a bead toss contest for a fun and engaging activity. Toss beads around the room and invite people to catch them innovatively. Make it a contest by providing small rewards for whoever picks up the most beads.
Photo Booth: Create a Mardi Gras-themed photo booth with masks, boas, and props. This will provide your guests with an opportunity to take some fun pictures and make memories from your Mardi Gras party.
Mardi Gras Parade: If you’re hosting a larger party, consider having a mini parade through your house or backyard. Guests can wave their beads, dance, and march to the music. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and add some authentic Mardi Gras flair.
4. Where to Shop for Mardi Gras Party Supplies
To host your own Mardi Gras party at home, you will need the appropriate supplies. Thankfully, numerous online stores provide everything you need to throw an excellent party. Mardi Gras decorations, beads, masks, and much more can be quickly located and delivered directly to your doorstep.
Where you shop for your Mardi Gras party themes, seek stores that carry all sorts of Mardi Gras supplies and decor, such as colorful beads, costumes, and party favors. A good stock store will have all the needs for the food as well, such as King Cake recipes or crawfish boil tips.
5. Stress-Free Mardi Gras Party Tips
Plan Ahead: Mardi Gras parties can become chaotic with all the food, decorations, and activities. Be sure to plan and prepare your decorations and food beforehand to prevent last-minute stress.
Delegate: Get friends or family members to assist in setting up the party or bringing side dishes. The more hands, the merrier and more interactive the party will be!
Create a Timeline: Plan a timeline for the activities of the evening, such as when to have guests arrive, when to serve food, and when to begin games or music.
Conclusion
Having a Mardi Gras party at home is about embracing the excitement of New Orleans and celebrating with good food, music, and fun. By adding the perfect Mardi Gras decor, tasty cuisine, and thrilling games, you will have an experience that your partygoers won't ever forget. Using these Mardi Gras party themes, you can prepare for a party full of happiness, humor, and lots of beads! So what are you waiting for? Prepare to host a party today, and have the good times roll!